SUFFERING

I remember being at the doctor’s office one time filling out all kinds of paper work.  One section was “Do you suffer from any of the following?”  It had things like depression, fatigue, stress, carpal tunnel syndrome, motion sickness, hair loss, headaches, toothaches, earaches, and maybe even ache aches.  Hair loss is the one that made me think twice.  I have pulled out a hair before that caused a little suffering; but I have never noticed a hair abandoning my head and it causing me to suffer and hurt.  It was not until thousands of them had abandoned my head that I even noticed that I was showing more skin on top than I use to. 

Maybe the lack of hair is a cause of suffering for many.  There are many things that cause people to suffer.  You may suffer from mompetition (competition between moms trying to one up each other using their kids) or friggatriskaidekaphobia (fear of Friday the 13^th).  You may even suffer from memory loss, but you can’t remember!

There is a lot of stress on our lives today; many times it is self-imposed by the decisions we make and the priorities we set.  Either self-imposed suffering or because of outward circumstances, we often feel alone.  We question where God is and if he even cares. 

Exodus 3:7 (NLT) Then the Lord told (Moses), “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.”

They had been in bondage and oppressed for about 400 years.  Wow!  That is a long time and a lot of generations never saw freedom.  God never promises to change our circumstances, but do not mistake that for him not caring.  Know that he is with you and he cares for you.  Talk to him about your sufferings; he knows and understands!  He wants to hear from you.  Focusing on him instead of focusing on your sufferings can do you a lot more good than you may ever imagine. 

Psalm 55:22 (NLT) Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

In Christ Alone and continuing in prayer,
Chad